The Theory of Explosion Initiation

Abstract

On the hypothesis of thermal initiation and estimates of the absolute rate constant and free energy of activation of the explosion reaction, the width of the reaction zone in a detonation wave, both in the homogeneous case and in the heterogeneous case, in which evaporation is the rate-determining step, is calculated. The distribution of temperature and pressure within a detonation wave, and the effect of these variables upon the rate of chemical decomposition reaction, are studied in an investigation of the theory of the causes of the failure of an explosive to detonate, or to maintain an explosive reaction after detonation has been initiated.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 13, 1943
Accession Number
ADB279911

Entities

People

  • George Duffy
  • Henry Eyring
  • Ransom B. Parlin
  • Richard E. Powell

Organizations

  • Princeton University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Chemical Reactions
  • Conduction (Heat Transfer)
  • Decomposition
  • Detonation Waves
  • Differential Equations
  • Energy
  • Evaporation
  • Explosions
  • Explosives
  • Free Energy
  • Heat Energy
  • Heat Of Activation
  • Heat Of Vaporization
  • Kinetic Theory
  • Phase
  • Thermal Conductivity
  • Waves

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science / Meteorology, specifically Wind Wave Turbulence.
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Rocket Propulsion.